The boys’ ski team was led by senior captain Michael Desio, who sat down with the Harbinger to answer a few questions about the past season.

How was the season overall? What worked for your team and what did not work?

“I couldn’t be more happy to spend my senior year with this awesome team. We all bonded to form a family that helped us succeed this winter. At every race we were by far the loudest team on the hill cheering on our teammates and friends. Even though the weather was not the best this winter and the snow was barely there, our coaches made every practice have a purpose for us to succeed.”

What is your team dynamic like and how do you work together?

“Our team is like a family, we always help each other out and leave no one behind. Every time I look at one of our athletes, I always see them with smiles on their faces. During races we always cheer each other on and carry our team spirit throughout the ski hill.”

What was the most challenging part of this season?

“The most challenging part of the season this year was the weather. This winter was by far one of the worst. Every time it was cold and the mountain was able to make snow, it would rain the next day and it would all disappear. During our practices, there had to be a certain base down of the snow to set gates and sometimes there was not enough snow. Toward the end of the season the staff at Ski Ward worked hard to build up enough snow for us to train on.”

What was a highlight of this season for the team?

“[Senior] Aiden Johnson had a very strong season for his senior year. He was the second fastest boy for Algonquin and placed 22 in the league. Having only three years of racing experience he has for sure learned the feel for what it is like to ski fast.”

What players especially stepped up this season and how?

“Another player who stepped up this year was senior Joshua Wei. Joshua used to ski race in China before he moved to the U.S. He found the skiing here to be a lot different and it took him some time to adapt. This year I have noticed a giant leap in his skills and in his skiing. Joshua has only gotten better over his four years on the team.”

What is coming up for the team and what do you think next season will look like?

“Our head coach [Wayne Hey] is stepping down from coaching after 24 years. He has made such a great impact on not only the team but also the athletes. Next year will look different as to how the team will adapt to a new head coach. But no matter who the coach is, I have confidence that our team will adapt and continue to ski fast.”